The Conscious Cleanse Cookbook has helped thousands of clients lose weight, heal their bodies, and regain vitality. We sat down with authors Jo Schaalman and Jules Peláez in a rapid-fire interview to learn a bit more about what inspires them, their guilty pleasures, how they manage stress, and beyond.
Describe yourself in three words
Jo: Inquisitive, bold, passionate
Jules: Kind, caring, curious
When are you most inspired?
Jo: Moving is my meditation. I feel like I come up with my most creative thinking when I’m walking or doing yoga (even though you’re supposed to clear your mind)
Jules: Early in the morning before the sunrise is my favorite time of day. It’s quiet in the house and I love to sit in meditation or journal. It’s when I’m most clear so all my best ideas come through.
What is your fail-safe crowd-pleaser recipe?
Jo:I love a good bowl! Our Ginger Salmon bowl is inspired by our Ginger Broiled Salmon in our first book which is a favorite in our community.
Jules: Beet Hummus. If it’s true that we eat with our eyes first, Beet Hummus wins every time. So bright and colorful, this delicious twist on hummus is a real show stopper.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Jo: Chocolate. I love to make my own. It’s much easier than it sounds and I sweeten with stevia or lakanto.
Jules: Wrapping my hands around a hot cup of organic coffee with homemade cashew milk and stevia. Yum!
How do you start your day?
Jo: My 8 month old wakes me up (earlier than I’d like) and we head downstairs for my morning routine of 32 oz of hot lemon water. That wakes me up and gets me ready for my day!
Jules: On a good day I practice 15 minutes of yoga followed by 20 minutes in quiet meditation. Since having my third son, mornings typically start with the sound of “mama mama!” coming from the other room, so we spend time snuggling and giggling before we get up for the day. As for food, I like to fast in the morning so I drink my green juice with a scoop of bee pollen when I get hungry.
Cooking or baking?
Jo: Baking. I like to come up with a healthy spin on traditional sweet treats. My daughter loves to join me! My current favorite is our molten chocolate cake. And yes, I love to just blend as well. The Vitamix is my favorite kitchen tool.
Jules: Cooking! Or better yet...blending.
Spin class or yoga?
Jo: Yoga and pilates.
Jules: Yoga!
How do you manage stress?
Jo: Move my body, yoga, hike and connect with friends.
Jules: Going for a walk outside while talking on the phone with my sister or a friend.
What is something not many people know about you?
Jo: I used to be a wildland firefighter!
Jules: I had 2 home births!
If you ruled the world for a day, what change would you make?
Jo: Universal health care and a focus on food as medicine.
Jules: I would give everyone a blender and a lifetime of healthy food. Vibrant health is our birthright and a green smoothie a day would keep us on the right track!